"A throne is only a bench covered with velvet." Napoleon Bonaparte (I am not so cynical, but isn't that a great quote! No wonder he had a chip on his shoulder I am very pleased with my bench covered in velvet, thank you very much!)

The RAM on my computer is very pleased.  It’s being filled with wonderful gifts from fellow bloggers who have been kind and generous with their love and thoughts.  The uber-cool Forty Not Out (who has not only a really fab blog that will make you crack a smile with her humor and wicked wit but also, as a fellow blogger, will make you jealous of how good her design taste is—killer header woman!) has given me the “Queen of ALLL Things” award.  From a stylish lady who has pretty damned good taste, I’m taking this as a great sign that I’m still (kinda) hip.  So eat your heart out LIZ!  But, to boot, my best mate on the blogosphere, who has a blog I endlessly rave about, Life, The Universe And All Thats In It, doubly whammied  me and now I can say I am TRULY pretty in pink.  

I’ve said this before when I’ve been lucky enough to be given an award.  The best thing about being recognized by your fellow bloggers is that you know that like-minded and intelligent people, who are out there busting their balls doing exactly what you are trying to do, are giving you a virtual high-five.  It shows that there is no back-stabbing and bitchiness and that we all are rooting for each other.  I wish I was a better supporter when it came to blogging.  I LOVE the girls who I have on my blogroll and I read their entries daily—but often don’t leave a comment—which sucks because I know it makes MY day when THEY do.  So this award is going to reform me.  Knowing that I have this crown, I have a new duty.  To be a better comment leaver–I mean even the Queen takes the time to write you a letter when you turn 100 (well, she signs her bloody name).  But just know that every day I check up on you guys and I really keep up on your worlds.  In fact, I really want to broaden my horizons and make new blog buddies.  An award like this just reminds me about how important this has to be in my  life because blogging is such an integral part of my routine.  

I have no one new to pass this award on to.  I have recently received an award and dedicated it to everyone on my blogroll.  So, this is what I propose to do with my crown.  I want to dedicate this to the millions of bloggers who give their hearts and souls to their keyboards every day, week, month—sometimes never even getting a hit but always persevering because they love writing and have a passion they must express.  From the guy who writes a new chess move on his blog each day to the fashion photographer who posts her photos and  dreams of becoming the next Sartorialist.  Whatever our desires for doing this are, may they prevail and may all of us be around for a long time.

Thank you again for this wonderful recognition and for making me feel truly like a real Monarch of the Web for the day

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

This may look like a cartoon, but this is no joke. I mean business. I'm sick of people out in the world thinking they can abuse bloggers and THINK they can get away with it. Read on....and see that your "mouse" is gonna be trapped starting NOW.

Dear Ethers, 

My good friend Wildernesschic has a brilliant blog that I enjoy reading tremendously.  I like it because it’s written from the heart.  You never feel like she has a thesaurus sitting on her lap while she’s writing, her stories never cease to fascinate, and she writes with humor and wit that are honest and organic.  She’s also extremely supportive of other bloggers, never failing to visit sites leaving well thought out comments and taking an interest in the world of the blogosphere.   She’s a reliable source, in my opinion, on blogging.  

A few days ago she posted an entry called “What Is A Blog?”  It fascinated me.  Again, she wrote straight from the soul and really begged the question about what we bloggers are doing every time we hit that very scary publish button.  She mentions that her blog is her “…own Hyde Park Corner.  Where I can express my freedom of speech.”  I agree completely.  She, unlike myself, is NOT an anonymous blogger.  Every single time she puts out a post she is risking her neck.  Her friends and family read everything she writes—her name is completely exposed to the public. 

Recently, she received a barrage of E-mails that were abusive and hurtful about her writing.  Obviously I don’t know the intimate details, but I do know that she has taken down a certain post that she feels might have hurt someone’s feelings and feels more guarded with her special part of her “Hyde Park Corner.”  I think this is completely unacceptable.  I too have received hurtful E-mails and comments from people about my blog.  I’m not going to indulge these abusers by telling you the details, but they attack below the belt and use ones own words to be vicious and malicious.  I have since blocked them from access to my website, but I wonder, why do people feel the need to be so angry with a blogger when all we are doing is expressing our experience and our memories?  I can understand disagreeing with a point of view, but I cannot understand abuse.  If you have an issue, it is perfectly acceptable to leave a comment asking questions about the post and, indeed disagreeing with the bloggers point of view.  But to hurl abuse and to ensue fear into someone’s life is abhorrent. 

I don’t see the blogosphere’s manners as any different than the normal manners of society.  Just as you cannot harass someone or verbally abuse them or stalk them on the streets, you cannot do so on their blog.  There are ways of finding out who you are, for those of you who DO take advantage of the vulnerability of bloggers.  You are easy to track and it is illegal to leave a torrent of insults.  You can be arrested.  You are no different than a stalker.  You have to remember there is a huge difference between freedom of speech and threatening people.  Tread carefully.  Is it really worth it?  At the end of the day we are just people who take the time to write about our lives, our interests and our views.  If you disagree or have any gripes—-either leave a calm mannered comment that will allow a fair debate or walk away if you don’t think you can control yourself.  Think of it as hitting someone.  You wouldn’t just beat someone up if they said the wrong thing would you?  You’d take a deep breath and either walk or talk. Well, at least one would hope. 

I will be seeking anyone out who hurls abuse at me, WILL trace you through your internet provider and WILL call the authorities.  I have spoken to the police and they have said that this IS a crime and people HAVE been arrested.  I will not be censored or threatened.  I will write what I want without fear.  And so should every blogger.  I warn you again, tread lightly, because you will be caught and you’ll be eating YOUR words hopefully without ever hurting anyone else again.   

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

I’ve told you guys this before….I have no idea what the hell I’m doing with my blog.  I sit down and just write.  I lose followers I gain new ones.  My stats are all over the place.  I just don’t understand blogging. 

But what I really never understood what would happen is that I would make friends from blogging.  That I would meet other creative people spilling their souls, showing of their savvy style, sharing their expertise and taking beautiful pictures and contributing them to the world.  Some of these people are new friends that I really hope become solid and some are as old as my blog (LOL…about 3 months…ancient, eh?) and have stayed tried and true.  

Now, I know some might say “It’s bonkers that she thinks she’s made friends online!” But, it’s true.  We leave comments on each other’s sites, we Tweet, we e-mail…..some have been lucky enough to even rendezvous.  My buddies tend to be mainly in the UK or in other counties, though I’m starting to make a few in the States. I definitely intend to call upon my mates when I visit London this year. 

What is my point?  Well, we in the blogosphere don’t get Pulitzer Prizes for our work.  So, we have created our own awards and I have been incredibly lucky to have been given quite a few.  My newest prizes are: The “Circle of Friends Award” by Sharon Rose who has run a blog that is so successful and that I have admired for months….I really feel honored to be part of her new gang.  I have also been given the “Premio Blog Coracao de Ouro Award”  by the love of my life on the net, Wildernesschic/Life The Universe And All Thats In It, who I really wish would adopt me already!  She is the nicest, wittiest, most generous, soulful person and I cannot wait to meet her face to face and just have a good laugh.  

Thanks Sharon!!!!!!!!

Thanks Wildernesschic!!!!!!!!!!

I know with these awards I’m meant to pay it forward to other blogs and keep them to a limit, but I’ve decided to mention everyone on my blog roll as a celebration of friendship and a nod to everyone who keeps plugging away everyday without a paycheck or sometimes even a pat on the back from the public. Guys, this blogging thing it can be tough…we love it…but it ain’t easy   So, please view these sites from my cherished  blog roll and enjoy my friends.  They are all intelligent, smart, people who deserve a peek.  

 Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Please hover over each link for a little summary of each site

Backwards In High Heels

BeautyEditor.ca

BritishBeautyBlogger

Broken Postcard

Chic Mama

Forty Not Out

Helena Halme

LibertyLondonGirl

LIFE THE UNIVERSE AND ALL THATS IN IT

Looking Fab In Your Forties

MRS TREFUSIS TAKES A TAXI

Sharon Rose-Style, Thrifting, Fashion And Me

What Would Katharine Hepburn Do?

I am a soldier when I shop. I do it for the country that is One of 365. I have to make sure this "governing-body" looks damned good and I can't have ANYONE get in my way.

Dear Ether,

When I shop, I become a fierce, focused creature who does not like to be disturbed by ANYONE.  When a friend asks me if I’d like to go shopping, I always try to weasel out of it.  I don’t want to be interrupted with questions about HER dress or what I think about how HER shoes look on HER feet.  I need to focus on the sale racks, sizes—my eyes rapidly scanning for deals without any deterrent.

I love shopping.  There are many women who detest it and only go when they have to find an outfit for an occasion.  I adore just heading out and perusing the boutiques seeing what I can drool over and store in my mind for when the sales come.  I love the air-conditioned rooms, the music the they play, the pang in my heart when I see a tag with a red slash through it.  I am a hunter and clothes are my prey.

I wouldn't make a badge or a bumper-sticker out of this, but it sure is my mantra

I have an excessive amount of clothing.  It’s beyond ridiculous.  I’m actually pretty proud that through the mounds of cloth I don’t have anything I truly regret.  I mean, of course there are the pieces of crap you buy from Primark that you wish you maybe should have saved the 5 quid on for a coffee, or you realize you just bought ANOTHER black top.  But for the most part, I’ve done decently well.  Nothing too horrible.  I’ve had regrets.  I bought a Mulberry bag on sale in London that was 250 quid reduced from 500 and it sits smushed in a corner never used.  It’s a little small and just a bit traditional for me.  Would I like the money back, of course!  But, no one would look at it and say, “What the hell were you thinking?”  I’m always good about making sure to buy clothes that are made of lovely fabrics (I could ADORE a piece, but if  it’s made of polyester or some shit I can’t pronounce—I’m done).  I hate when from a distance you see a garment that’s lovely, and then you get close for further inspection and see it’s possibly flammable—oh, the horror!

English gent is an excellent shopping partner. He is the ONE person who I can tolerate to take with me.  In fact, he is quite an asset being a fashionista himself (though when we see a mirror we tend to fight over it in a shop). He gives honest advice on how things look on me.  He also knows the trends and gives ace investment premonitions.  He never tires, he’ll wait patiently while I scour the racks and he appreciates clothing as much as I do (he is so in love with fashion that he has been known to buy something, change out of what he is wearing, and walk out of the store donning his new outfit!).

My style icons are a mix of Ms. Paltrow, the perfect Ms. Sienna and legendary Kate Moss, of course.  When I go out, I try to conjure these women.  I’m lucky with my figure that I can pull some of the looks off these ladies can (I’m not as tall as Gwyneth nor as flat-chested, I’m not as leggy or skinny as Sienna or Kate) but I can make their looks happen if I try and do get compliments which make my day (because if ONLY they new how much I paid for them—STEALS!).

(This is for you gentleman who read my blog…I thought I’d throw you some eye-candy)

Yep, this is how we ladies feel when we are donning something sexy. Or at least, I do. What an entrance!

My dream is to walk into Burberry and buy some of their Prorsum goodies, hit Chanel and buy a pochette bag, saunter into Temperley and buy a whimsical dress made of silk and air, and have no credit card limit.  Oh, yes, there are millions of other designers who I’d kill to wear.  But honey, put me on a stranded island with these 3, and I’d make the natives catwalk cuties in no time.

I have kept every item of clothing I have ever bought.  They are stored in boxes throughout my folks house.  I refuse to give anything away.  I believe one day something might come back or if I have a daughter she’d kill me for giving it away (yes, I think there is hope for the overall and the multi-colored high-top).  Clothes, to me, have always been my hobby.  Some people love thimbles, spoons, Rembrandts.  I love Miu Miu or a great pair of jeans.  And when I go out looking spiffy, there’s no better feeling in the world.

But………just don’t fuck with me while I’m getting my outfit together.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

PS: As it is the recession…………

"I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!" -Sally Field accepting her Oscar in 1985 Best Actress for "Places in the Heart."

Dear Ethers,

You all know that my greatest feeling is when I get love and feedback from you Ethers out there.  So when I get love from my peers in the blogosphere it really is a crowning achievement for me. Ms. Looking Fab In Your Forties  has bestowed this award so kindly upon me and I’m really grateful because she is not just a fellow blogger (and a brilliant one at that) but has become a friend in the wily world that is the blogosphere. She really couldn’t have done me prouder, and I accept this award thankfully because I respect her so much as a writer, a woman and a pal.

So evidently there are some very strict rules that come with this award (and I will gladly agree to abide, Academy).  

They are as follow:

1) Brag about it.
2) Choose seven blogs to receive the award & link to them.
3) List ten honest things about myself.

Well, I’ve done the bragging bit and since you didn’t see me jumping up and down in my underpants when I first got word, I think I’ve done enough of that! So part one, check!

My 7 top-notch blogs (in no particular order) are:

Looking Fab In Your Forties (It’s true.  I can’t deny it.  Even though she awarded it to me I still think she is a top-dog in the game and deserves the award right back at her.  She is the Mom I’d want to be and the woman I’d like to become as sophisticated as one day.  Oh and since she is leaving me her Gina’s and her Santos in her will, I better be awfully nice to her!)

Broken Postcard (This wonderful guy is a soulful blogger that has such an unusual site that is filled with spectacular philosophy, poetry, art and thoughts that you feel like you are visiting an artists salon when you go to his sphere.  A truly spectacular, unusual and inspirational blog.  I cannot believe how multi-talented you are with your artistic abilities and your thoughts which are so clever and deep.   I wonder if you are an old soul trapped in a young man’s body.  I adore you Mr. Crockett.)

Mrs.Trefusis Takes A Taxi (Ahhh Mrs. T! My first friend and guide in the blog world. You took me under your wing and have inspired me with your wit and wisdom ever since.  I adore your witty banter, your class and your good soul.  Your site never is anything but intelligent and quick–just like you.  Thank you for being my beacon in this nutty universe X.)

Helena Halme (A woman who understands the trials and tribulations of love of the English gent and the discovery and adaptation of two whole new  worlds–England and the blogosphere—we have so much in common.  Your blog tells your heart beautifully and you deserve to be read.)

Life The Universe And All Thats In It (Oh Ruth! What a woman! You are everything a gal should be and more. I met you by chance and I am so lucky.  Who knew that a glam lady from Wales and a little set of numbers from Los Angeles would become such fast friends?  You are always so sassy, upbeat, warm, embracing, supportive and your blog reflects your lust for life and your beautiful personality.  You also nominated me, and I feel so lucky. Really, you deserve to be a success in your writing and in any endeavor that you seek out.  To me, you embody beauty inside and out.  You remind me to try and remember the important things in life.)

Let’s Talk About Me (Okay Max.  You bonkers nutter! You are the funniest man on Twitter.  You also write a hilarious blog that reflects your wonderful sense of humor but also your excellent perception of the world and life around you.  I adore your spam fighting and your delightful conversation.  I think you are a diamond in the rough and I feel so lucky to have found you and to have met your acquaintance.  I look to you for a laugh, a smile and a good time.  What more can you ask for from a blog or a buddy?  I know we just started our friendship, but I hope it lasts a long time. Too bad your married, I still have that nice Jewish girl who can cook and knows her SEO for you in Golders Green…the offer still stands.  Lewisham buddies forever! X)

Beauty Editor.ca (This is to my lovely beauty girl Michelle who is out there fighting the beauty fight in another part of North America and doing it damned well.  Her site is beautiful, her writing is excellent and she is a hard-working, no BS Beauty writer who knows her lipsticks from her glosses.  She’ll happily help you with any beauty questions you need (if her site doesn’t already provide the answer).  She’s also a fellow Touche Eclat leper (that’s how we became fast friends) and it’s always great to have a buddy in the biz who is kind and sweet with a good heart and is going through a lot of what you are dealing with work-wise.  I hope nothing but the best for her blog and my hope is to one day meet my fellow foundation friend and talk shop over lattes (skim milk only!) and the death of the biz and maybe collaborating on a dot.com mag where we make billions! Mwah-hahahahaha! X)

And now 10 honest things about me (are you sure?):

1. I have a horrible fear of people who sweat too much.  Especially bald men.  Dripping sweat makes me the most nauseous.  I once was on a plane and was sitting in a 2 seat situation next to a corpulent man who was bald, hot and bothered.  I slowly watched as long beads of sweat started to drizzle down from his head onto the lapel of his sport coat making a plopping sound and leaving darkened dots on his jacket.  I almost threw up, and begged the flight attendant for a new seat (it was a long haul journey and I was gonna be using the barf bags the whole way otherwise).  I can hack it at a distance, like at the gym, but if I see you with it dripping, and the drip is hanging there, I feel sick!

2. I am terrified of commitment of any sort.  It can be anything as serious as marriage and kids to a pair of jeans in a store.  I find decision making beyond difficult and I ruminate for hours, sometimes days if I walked away from a shop and didn’t buy something I should have and then call the next day and find out it is gone.  Years can go buy and I can still imagine what THOSE jeans would have been perfect with if only I hadn’t been a fool that day and walked away.

3. I am a RETARD at math.  I cannot do anything past easy addition, subtraction and some multiplication.  If I ever were to have children, I would be humiliated by the fact that I don’t even know what half of the symbols on a calculator mean.  I bombed my SAT’s in math so badly that it screwed me up for UNI’s I wanted to go to.  I am good at knowing when clothes are on a discount (funny, then I am a master at percentages!) but beyond that any math skills I have are that of a vegetable.  Humiliating.

4. I don’t know if I am a good kisser.  Now, you’d say, “why don’t you ask the English gent?” Well, he’ll tell me I am.  But I suspect that I am not his best.  That in the kissing department I have failed.  That I am not a good kisser like others are.  I feel like I am lacking in that department

5.  I love freebies and I think that is one of the reasons why I ended up as a Beauty Writer.  Terrible, I know.  I’ve always loved gifts.  When I was a kid we used to get goodie bags when we would leave a party—loved it!  Halloween was a favorite holiday because of the free candy.  I have this sense of entitlement that I should get discounts and freebies like I am a fucking movie star.  Ridiculous.  But true.

6. I am TERRIFIED of aging.  It scares me more than death.  I am scared of losing my youth, not being able to relate to and talk to young people the same way anymore.  Not being able to dress in certain fashions.  Losing my figure.  Not flirting.  Having things sag.  Losing my young face.  Going gray.  Ailments.  Everything negative with aging, I fear.  I have been frightened of it since I was about 13.  Ask my folks (well, you can’t) but it’s true. I have been afraid of every year that has ticked by.  I wish I had a portrait I could hide in a closet somewhere.

7. I always wanted to be a movie star.  I thought it would be such a thrill to be famous and rich and have the celeb life.  I know it sounds pompous, but it was the closest thing to immortality and royalty that I could imagine and I wish I had pursued acting.  But my esteem as too low and I foolishly never tried.  I have a terrible regret about that and am jealous when I read about famous people. 

8. I have no sense of self.  I have terrible low self-esteem (but most people don’t know because I am very gregarious) and I often let things eat way at me.  I have very few friends and tend to lose them often.  I don’t know why, but girls between the ages of 20-39 dislike me and people think they can take advantage of me.  Really crappy.

9. I could eat candy, cakes, pastries and Mexican food all day and all night if it didn’t mean adult on-set diabetes and obesity.  I love sour candy, chocolate, key-lime pie, nachos…….OMG………HARIBO………TALK TO ME!  

10. Finally, and this is the honest truth, I just want to have a good life.  I want to be free and blissful and know where I’m going.  I want a path carved out for me and know that I’m on the right road.  I’m on this journey with you guys so maybe that will guide me somewhere.  But this being an Honest Scrap Award—it can’t get anymore straight-up—I just want my life to be okay.  

With love to you all.  Thank you for being a part of my routine and my sphere.  And pay your scraps forward.  I can’t wait to see who YOU nominate and what you have to say about yourselves.  Thanks for listening and again, this is a big deal for me! I’ll be donning my black tie gown and popping the champagne later. Cheers!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365